Cops and Robbers

During P.E. my kids played Cops and Robbers. There were 5 cops who got to wear bandannas. They had to chase, catch, and put in jail the 27 thieves who stole my chocolate. I have never heard such screaming and laughing. It was a blast to watch. What is it about chasing, being chased, being not-caught, and catching and being caught that makes this game fun in every culture? And at what age does it become not fun? I deffinetly don't want to run around like crazy at 1 in the afternoon in the tropical sun. How much do I love Second Graders?